YESTERDAY'S TOWNS

HOWDY, MY NAME IS BILL STRONG, I'LL BE YOUR "24 HOUR MAN", ROUTING YOU INTO THE PAST TO SEE WHAT THE CIRCUS WAS IN DAYS GONE BY. IF YOU'RE LIKE ME, AND MISS WHAT IT USED TO BE, THEN COME ON ALONG AS WE GO DOWN THE ROAD FOLLOWING THE ARROWS BACKWARDS, TO "YESTERDAY'S TOWNS"!
IF YOU HAVE CIRCUS RELATED PICTURES YOU WOULD LIKE POSTED, SEND THEM TO,,,,yesterday1@verizon.net,,,,AND WE WILL TRY TO FIT THEM IN. "24 HOUR MAN" WILL HAVE THE FINAL DECISION ON POSTING.

About Me

Three years at CWM made me a real traditionalist, and I keep remembering Bob Parkinson saying, "I want the people to see what the circus used to be, not what it is today. That's what this site is about!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

IN MEMORY: OF OUR GOOD FRIEND NAPOLEON ZAMPERLA

I just received a phone call from Jenny Wallenda, that Napoleon Zamperla has passed away, I have no details but will post them as soon as I get them. Needless to say our hearts go out to the Zamperla family.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

FROM KATHY NELSON: SNAPSHOTS FROM THE NELSON COLLECTION

These photos are from the private collection of Paul Nelson's mother.

UNIDENTIFIED HIGH SCHOOL RIDER, SELLS-FLOTO CIRCUS.All of the photos in the group are identified & dated,(in Mrs. Nelson's hand), except this one. Could be because it is her, maybe Kathy can clear it up. The amazing thing is, they are in pristine condition, I'm sure they haven't been stored in Florida.

NELSON COLLECTION: #7

SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT: HOLLY FINKEL

Buckles & I were discussing the fact that our blogs are becoming obituary columns, this morning when Trudy called Joanne, the first thing Joanne said was, "who else died?". I'm doing some re-filing & run across some silly fwd,,,,fwd,,,,fwd,,,,(you get the idea), so I thought one of them occasionally might lighten things up.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

THE ANNUAL CHARLIE SMITH LUNCHEON, SPONSERED BY THE CHARLIE SMITH TENT OF THE CIRCUS FANS OF AMERICA

CHARLIE SMITH (JULY 5,1915-NOVEMBER 25,2008FOR THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW CHARLIE, HE WAS TRAINMASTER FOR RINGLING BROS.AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS FOR MANY YEARS. HE WAS INDUCTED INTO THE RING OF FAME IN 2004.

KITTY SMITHKitty is wearing a new Baseball Cap with the Charlie Smith Tent logo, given to her by the Tent.

A TROPHY FOR A REAL CHAMPIONThis trophy was given to Charlie in 2002, by Ann Fleming Copeland.

THE CAKEJoanne originally took us to the Charlie Smith Luncheon as her guests,and we were welcomed by the members of the Charlie Smith Tent of the Circus Fans Of America. Although we are not members of the CFA we have been welcomed as guests every year since, along with many other retired, & active performers.

CHARLIE SMITH LUNCHEON #2:THE MASTER OF CEREMONIES

DAVID ORREvery year we listen to David at the dignitaries table, introducing the guests, & giving credit for what they have done. Whether it is fellow CFA members, retired, or active performers or people behind the scene on shows or involved in CFA activities, he makes sure they are recognized for their accomplishments.Now here's a man who, although not a performer, circus owner, or promoter, who has helped our business more than anyone will ever know. He has campaigned for our cause against the AR people, fought the battle against elephant bans, where ever there is a problem for circus people David is there. I don't know how we can ever repay him for his tireless effort to better our business, except to say for all of us circus people, THANK YOU!!!!

NORMA DAVENPORTNorma is expressing her feeling that Charlie is not gone, she said she knows he passed away, and she went to his funeral, but she feels that he is still here. I think she was speaking for all of us, Charlie will always be here.

JORGE BARREDA & JOHN FUGATEAnyone attending for the first time is referred to by David Orr as a "first of May", at the luncheon.This was Jorge's first time, soooo,,,,!

MEMORIAL FOR MARIE PETTUS

All of the losses of members of our "Circus Family" we have gone through in the last few months, or even years, have not been easy, this was a hard one. Speeches by Buckles Woodcock, John Herriott, & Jim Rhony, about experiences with Bert & Marie, showed how closely our lives are intertwined, making us truly one family. We all mourn the loss of Marie Pettus, but can also feel joy that she is at peace, and reunited with Bert.

Trudy Wilson StrongTrudy & Joanne spent many Sunday afternoons in Sarasota with Sandy, taking Marie on outings. I'm sure she is reflecting on those happier times.

THE SERVICE: BY TINO ZOPPE WALLENDA

TINO ZOPPE WALLENDA

JODY FULBRIGHTJody spoke of her love for her grandmother, and her sorrow for her loss, holding back her tears, at times unsuccessfully, as we did the same listening. I'm sure there wasn't a dry eye in the house!

Sunday, January 25, 2009

IN MEMORY OF OUR DEAR FRIEND DOROTHY YERKES

We received news tonight that Dorothy Yerkes passed away following surgery, in the hospital in California last night. our deepest sympathy to Bobby, Tony, Cathy Matchet Moore, & Juanita Matchet, we know how close this family was and our hearts are heavy for them in their grief.

We were so fortunate to be able to visit a while with Dorothy & Tony when she came to Florida last SummerDorothy, Juanita Matchet, Cathy Matchet Moore, & Tony

AS A TRIBUTE TO DOROTHY LET'S TAKE A PICTORIAL TRIP WITH HER BACK THROUGH THE YEARS.